Alcohol and Drugs

Three out of four high school seniors admit drinking alcohol, a recent survey suggests.  More than half have been drunk and some point.  And roughly one in two say they have tried some type of illegal drug.  But drinking alcohol under the age of 21 or using any type of controlled substance without a prescription is illegal.  And it can wreak havoc on your health and life.

In recent years, the non-medical use of certain painkillers, such as Vicodin and OxyContin, by teenagers and a slight upswing in the use of MDMA (ecstasy) have raised concerns.  In addition, certain so-called "club drugs" have been associated with "date rape" in which a drug is slipped into an unsuspecting victim's drink to pave the way for a sexual assault.  And in a recent survey, a troubling number of teens - one in 16 high school seniors - admitted they have misused over-the-counter cough and cold medications for the purpose of getting "high."

Am I allowed to buy any type of alcoholic beverage at age 18?

No.  In California, it is against the law for anyone under 21 to buy (or attempt to buy) any alcoholic beverage.  The law defines an alcoholic beverage as any drink that contains at least one-half of one percent alcohol.

Nor is it legal to sell or give an alcoholic beverage to anyone under 21, or to allow anyone under 21 to drink alcohol in a bar, restaurant or store.  If you look younger than 21, you will be asked to prove your age.  And if you can't provide ID, the clerk can't sell alcohol to you.

Can I get in trouble for using someone else's driver's license or altering my own to look 21?

Yes.  Either way, you would be breaking the law.  Also, the person who provided you with the false identification would be committing a crime as well.  You cannot lend, borrow or alter a driver's license or other identification in any way.

What can happen if I am arrested for drug possession?

It would depends on the type and amount of drugs, as well as other factors.  More than 135 controlled substances carry a felony charge (a serious criminal charge) for possession alone.  Such drugs include heroin, cocaine, LSD, amphetamines, and barbiturates, among others.  Conviction for felony drug possession could result in a prison sentence of up to five years and/or a $50,000 fine, depending on the drug.

The punishment for possessing marijuana - the most commonly used illicit drug - is less severe.  Possession of 28.5 grams of marijuana (other than concentrated cannabis) or less would be considered a misdemeanor (a less serious criminal charge) with a fine of up to $100.  Possession of the same amount on school property during school hours, however, could mean 10 days of jail time and/or a $500 fine.

In California, you may be able to undergo a drug treatment program instead of prosecution if you are a first-time drug offender.  And i you successfully complete the program, the drug charges could be dismissed.

However, if you are arrested with more drugs than someone might reasonably possess for personal use, you could face more serious charges of possession with intent to sell.  This is a felony even if possession of the particular drug alone would not be a felony. 

A drug conviction could endanger your future schooling as well.  If you are convicted of possession or distribution of a controlled substance, you could be barred from receiving benefits - including student grants and loans - from any program using federal funding, except for certain long-term drug treatment.

If I get caught selling drugs at school, could I be in even more trouble?

Yes.  State law imposes severe penalties on anyone 18 or older who illegally prepares for sale, sells or gives a controlled substance to any minor at locations where other children are present.  This would include, for example, a school campus or daycare center.  Such conduct could result in a prison sentence of up to nine years.

Is it against the law to use someone else's drug prescription?

Yes.  To possess or use someone else's prescription is illegal.  Depending on the drug, the penalty could range from 12 months in jail and a $500 fine, to a sentence of five to 10 years in prison, and a fine of $5,000 to $10,000.

Could I get in trouble just for holding a friend's roach clip or drug pipe?

Yes.  Possession of drug paraphernalia - any equipment designed to help grow, make or use a controlled substance - is illegal.  In addition, it is illegal for you to be present anywhere (a party, for example) where controlled substances are being used if you are participating or assisting others in their use.  

Could I lose my driver's license if I'm convicted of drug possession?

Yes.  In California, your license can be suspended for one year if you are between 13 and 21 years old and you are convicted of drug- or alcohol-related offenses.  Also, successive offenses could result in further suspension or delay of driving privileges.  The suspension, restriction or delay of your license would be in addition to the penalty imposed for the conviction.

If I use steroids to build up my muscle and improve my game, am I breaking the law?

Yes.  All non-medical use of anabolic steroids is illegal.  And if you are convicted of distribution, you could face up to five years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

Data suggests that steroid use among 12th grade boys has decreased recently in the wake of tightened laws, educational efforts and scandals involving professional athletes.  In addition, California Interscholastic Federation rules now require all participating high school athletes to sign a pledge that they will not use anabolic steroids (without a prescription) or dietary supplements banned by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.  The new, state law-mandated rules require the students' parents (or guardians) to sign notifications about the restrictions as well.